There is something special about the Olympic Games that cause casual sports fans, and even those who generally have no interest in sports at all, to tune their television to sports that often languish in relative obscurity at any other time. For example, it seemed that most of the country was either watching or had seen the highlights of the Canada vs. United States women’s soccer game that contained both great play and controversial calls by the game’s referee.

To be sure, the Olympics help to highlight sports and athletes that deserve more attention than they might otherwise receive. But it is likely a sense of patriotism that motivates so many people to watch sporting events they are otherwise unfamiliar with. The fact that a Canadian athlete is competing in badminton is what causes us to tune in, to cheer for our country as much as the individual athlete. And that is one of the great things about the Olympics and is part of the spirit of the games.

That same spirit can be demonstrated more locally as well. Just as we have national pride, we demonstrate civic pride for our sports teams that represent our communities, and it’s not just limited to the larger professional teams like the Blue Bombers or Jets.

This past week it was announced that a group of local businesspeople and investors had pooled together the funds to purchase the Steinbach Pistons hockey club. They did so because they wanted to ensure that the team was going in a direction that the community could be proud of and that the players would benefit from being a part of. As a result, they have formed a not-for-profit organization to allow any profits to be put back into the team and community. That local pride will go a long way to ensuring the team is successful on the ice and off of it. And it’s a real hands-on demonstration of the spirit of civic pride.

Also this week, the local Carillon Sultans team won the Manitoba Junior Baseball League Championship, repeating its success from last year and defending its title. The team capped off a strong season after having finished in first place during the regular season.

So while the Olympic Games fuel our national pride and patriotism, when the games end, there are plenty of local things to take its place. Our own local athletes and teams will be there between now and the next Olympics to ensure we have a place to demonstrate our civic pride.